Connecting IMX290 Camera to Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties connecting an IMX290 camera module to the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit. The main issue is that the device is not being detected when connected to the developer kit. This problem occurs during the initial setup and configuration of the camera module with the Jetson Orin Nano. The user is running JetPack 5.1.1 and is unsure about the correct approach to add support for the IMX290 camera module, which is not supported by default.

Possible Causes

1. Lack of default support: The IMX290 camera module is not supported out-of-the-box by the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit, requiring additional configuration.

2. Incorrect device tree configuration: The device tree may not be properly configured to recognize and initialize the IMX290 camera module.

3. Missing or incompatible driver: The necessary driver for the IMX290 camera module may not be present or may be incompatible with the current JetPack version.

4. Hardware connection issues: There could be problems with the physical connection between the camera module and the developer kit.

5. JetPack version compatibility: The current JetPack version (5.1.1) may have limitations or issues specific to camera module support.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify hardware connection:

   • Ensure that the IMX290 camera module is properly connected to the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit.
   • Check for any loose connections or damaged cables.

2. Update JetPack:

   • Consider updating to the latest JetPack version compatible with Jetson Orin Nano, as newer versions may include improved camera support.

3. Bring up the IMX290 sensor:

   • Since the IMX290 is not supported by default, you need to develop a custom sensor driver.
   • Follow the Sensor Software Driver Programming guide in the NVIDIA Jetson Linux Developer Guide.

4. Modify device tree:

   • Create a new .dtsi file for the IMX290 camera module instead of modifying existing files.
   • Navigate to the correct directory for Orin Nano (t23x instead of t19x):

     cd /hardware/nvidia/platform/t23x/common/kernel-dts/t23x-common-modules/
     

   • Create a new file, e.g., tegra234-camera-imx290-a00.dtsi

5. Develop the sensor driver:

   • Implement the necessary driver code for the IMX290 camera module.
   • Include initialization sequences, register configurations, and any specific requirements for the IMX290.

6. Update the device tree:

   • Modify the main device tree file to include your new IMX290 .dtsi file.
   • Add the appropriate node for the IMX290 camera module.

7. Compile and flash the updated kernel:

   • After making changes to the device tree and implementing the driver, compile the kernel.
   • Flash the updated kernel to your Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit.

8. Test the camera module:

   • After rebooting, check if the system recognizes the IMX290 camera module:

     ls /dev/video*
     v4l2-ctl --list-devices
     

9. Debugging:

   • If issues persist, check kernel logs for any error messages related to the camera module:

     dmesg | grep -i camera
     

10. Seek community support:

    • If you encounter difficulties during the process, consider posting specific questions or issues in the NVIDIA Developer Forums, providing detailed information about your setup and the steps you’ve taken.

Remember to always back up your original configuration files before making any changes. The process of adding support for a new camera module requires careful development and testing. If you’re not comfortable with low-level driver development, consider seeking assistance from experienced developers or NVIDIA support channels.